I installed 17 double hung JELD-WEN ZapPack Sash replacement windows in my mothers 1959 home and double pane windows significantly reduce the outside noise. We replaced the windows for energy efficiency and looks. If your main goal is to reduce outside noise, Storm Windows will do the same thing and will also increase the energy efficiency of your single pane windows by 37% for a lot less money.

We purchased the JELD-WEN ZapPack Sash replacement windows at the Home Depot.

Thanks for the info. I will investigate those sash replacements.

Please consider repairing the old weight and pulley system (instructions can be found at oldhouseweb.com) and removing the paint or whatever is keeping the window from working well. Nothing glides as nicely as a restored and functional old pulley window. Mine I can lift with one finger! Sometimes the weights have to be changed, if the thickness or weight of the glass is not the same as the orignal pane.

Its a cheaper fix and I do believe adds to the value (even in $$$ terms) of your old house, especially if you have a complete set of original windows with wavey glass. Its sorta like collector cars or collector anything-- the more original, the better.

I hired a guy whose specialty it was to do the first few, then once I learned how to take apart the window (it can be tricky) then I did the rest myself.

re: noise, this might sound hard to believe but its true. I had my house air sealed to prevent updraft effect from happening -- my house had a lot of air leaks so what happens is as hot air rises, it pulls in cold air thru all the windows and other gaps. If you seal all the openings into your attic and also around basement and the base of the house, that prevents the updraft from occuring AND it keeps air from being pulled in from around the windows. The first thing I noticed is how much QUIETER it was in the house! I couldn't believe it!

I was advised to look at insulation and sealing up drafts BEFORE considering windows and Im glad I did. I was a skeptic but Im a believer now!

My two cents: I had leaky, non-working windows in my house built in 1883. The windows were in fair shape, but not worth restoring to working condition with the weights and ropes, etc. Here is an economical choice, if you are willing to part with the weights and pulleys.

I bought kits at a local milling shop. For about $50 per window, I received vinyl jambs to insert inside the window opening and they shaved down the sides of the upper and lower sashes to fit. This required me brining in the sashes to the shop. I then took out the weights and filled that cavity in with insulation. The windows are now weather tight, especially with new storm windows I also installed. This method let me keep the wavey glass and I did not need to mess with the brittle painted-over wood work.

I have to agree with Kashka -

I just had this done on our 1931 home 25 double hung windows - I live in Ct we called "the window doctor" - a passionate person with a skill that I'm sure can't be easily found.
We live in a temporary society - throw it away seems to be the norm.
The best windows for you house are the windows it came with. from an architectural/aesthetic and sometimes energy standpt (many will argue here)

Paint adds weight esp that leaded paint - this can distort the weight pulley system from functioning properly - add paint to sash cords causes detrioration and windows painted shut.
See if you can find a window dr. near you

good luck